Internet Attacks, Part 1

(Published Sierra Star, March 17, 2004, page A2)

Attacks from the internet against an individual's computer are becoming much more common and destructive.  It is possible to do battle against these attacks and even to win these battles.  One must be prepared, or face the consequences.

Attacks come in various forms.  The worst are usually viruses and worms.  These can come through email or infected websites.  You must have an antivirus program and keep it updated to fend off these attacks.

Spyware is becoming one of the most common internet attacks.  There are the so called "good" spyware or adware, and there are the really bad kind.  The "good" adware watches what you do on the internet and then provides you with advertisements that relate to where you have been on the internet.

Another type of spyware can actually hijack your web browser, the program you use to surf the net (usually Internet Explorer).  You know you have been hijacked when your home page has changed and keeps changing, no matter how many times you change it back.

The worst spyware, however, are the key loggers.  These programs record everything you type on your computer keyboard and then send this information to a hacker.

 
A different type of attack is the direct assault on your computer by a hacker.  You might ask, "Why would a hacker want to get into my computer?  There is nothing on it."  The biggest reason a hacker wants into an individual's pc is to use it for other attacks.  If a hacker has access to your computer, he/she can use it hide his/her attacks against other computers on the internet.  When someone tries to track the attack, it points back to your computer.


Defenses Against Internet Attacks

1.  If you have an always on internet connection such as cable modem or DSL, you are most vulnerable to all of these attacks.  A simple defense for this is to turn off your cable or DSL modem when you are not using it.  Most such modems have a power switch; on others, you can simply unplug the power cable.

2.  Get and use a firewall program.  This type of program helps to hide your presence on the internet, so that an attacker has a more difficult time getting access to your computer or even "seeing" your computer.  There are several free firewall programs available on the internet.

3.  Many programs can protect you from spyware and remove spyware from your machine.  One of the best free spyware removal programs is AdAware.  Run this program on your computer once a week or every other week.

4.  Read and understand messages that you receive while browsing the internet.  Many popup windows will say that they are going to update your computer now and have an OK button.  If you don't understand what the message is saying or what it is that they are going to do, do NOT click on the OK button.  This is how many spyware and other attacks are installed on your computer.

 5.  Some websites will install programs on your computer even without your knowledge or agreement.  When this happens, your browser usually starts acting strangely, and your home page is usually changed.  To correct this problem, download and run a program called CWShredder.

6.  The majority of attacks hit the Microsoft programs Internet Explorer and Outlook Express, because these two programs are used by more people.  If you use a different program, such as Netscape or Mozilla, you will be relatively safer.

7.  Install an antivirus program and keep it updated.


The internet can be a dangerous place, but it is also an informative and enjoyable thing.  You can be safer while browsing the internet if you will take some simple precautions.  Do not fear your time online, but do be safe.



For more information, please visit www.clingman.net

Dave Clingman has been configuring, building and repairing computers for foothill residents for twelve years.  He also sets up and trouble shoots networks, as well as designing websites.  His own website can be viewed at www.clingman.com

© 2004